Caleb: Military Heroes (The One I Want Series Book 3)

by Ellie Masters

  “Who’s there?” She covered her eyes to block the glare from porch light.

  “Ma,” he called out. “It’s me!”

  “Caleb?” She sounded unsure, but who else would brave a drive up the mountains in the middle of a storm?

  He grabbed the pie and ice cream from Marge’s and left everything else. A few short strides and he stood at the base of the porch. So much frailer than he remembered, tears glittered in his mother’s eyes. He bounded up the steps and gathered her into a hug.

  “It’s me, Ma.”

  “This has to be a dream.” She pushed him away and craned her neck to take him in. Then she reached out and smacked his cheek. “You gave me such a scare, driving up here unannounced. You’re lucky I didn’t greet you with a load of buckshot.”

  Not an idle threat, he wouldn’t be the first person she’d run off with her shotgun.

  “I wanted to surprise you.” He wrapped his hand around her waist and pulled her in for another hug, then gave her a peck to her cheek.

  “Surprise me next time by calling ahead.” She chastised him then glanced back at the Jeep. Her eyes narrowed as she searched the dark vehicle… “Just you?”

  “Who else would you expect?” Although he knew what she was thinking. “I stopped by Marge’s and got your favorite pie.” He presented her with the pie and ice cream.

  “How wonderful!” She took the pie, then ushered him inside. “Come on, we’re losing all the heat.”

  He brushed the snow off his boots in the mudroom, careful not to track any dirt or snow into her home. As she headed into the kitchen with the pie and ice cream, he sank into the couch he’d grown up on. Funny how the room seemed smaller than he remembered. The couch felt less massive. The threads bare beneath the press of his hand.

  “Are you okay?” She called from the kitchen. The clattering of plates and silverware told him she wasn’t wasting any time digging into the pie.

  “I’m good. Can I help?” She wouldn’t allow it. It was her pleasure to dote on him, but manners said he had to ask. She would expect that. He missed his mom and wished it hadn’t taken him so many years to come home.

  “I’ll be right in, get comfortable and settle in.” She returned with two plates. Thinner than he remembered, it looked like she had lost weight.

  “Let me help.” He took to his feet when she entered the room. She allowed him to take the plates, and he grinned at the large scoop of ice cream she gave him.

  “So,” she began, settling into her favorite chair, “did you see anyone special in town? I’m surprised you didn’t bring Caitlyn for pie.” Unlike Marge, his mother didn’t waste any time bringing up the obvious. He took a bite, needing a moment to fix his thoughts.

  “I did not.”

  “That’s a surprise, I thought she’d be the first person you’d want to see, not me.”

  He gave her his biggest smile. “You’re my number one gal.”

  “Oh, you’re full of yourself, but I appreciate the thought.” She gave him a quick once over. “The Marines have been good to you. You’ve filled out, and I swear you’ve gained a couple inches. My neck will get sore craning it to look at you.”

  His mother may be a foot shorter than him, but she would always be able to dress him down.

  “I work out a lot.”

  “Someone will appreciate that.”

  He gave a laugh. “Well, Marge already felt me up.”

  “That’s not who I’m talking about.” She laughed as he pantomimed Marge’s overly thorough assessment.

  “I didn’t leave things in a good place with Caitlyn. I seriously doubt she wants to see me.” By his actions, he’d basically told Caitlyn she wasn’t important to him. Walking away may have been one of the hardest things he’d ever done, but if he had stayed, they would both be miserable. He wouldn’t wish that on her, not when she deserved everything life offered; like a man who would fill her bed every night. Not one who would be called from it at a moment’s notice. She deserved a man who would keep her safe. Not one who risked his life to save others. Caitlyn deserved a man who wasn’t him.

  “Neither of you were ready to grow up. Since then, you’ve seen things and Caitlyn’s had to step into some big shoes. She’s got her daddy’s ranch down in Peace Springs now. And she’s made a mark for herself in Bear Creek with her company.”

  “That’s what Marge said. I’m glad she’s doing well.”

  “I don’t like you disappearing for so long. A person needs a place to call home.”

  He didn’t disagree. The moment he drove into Bear Creek, the town wrapped around him like a comforting blanket. But could he stay?

  Not if he went through with his re-enlistment. His mother wouldn’t stop with the questions about Caitlyn unless he redirected the conversation.

  “Marge told me there’s a search and rescue organized.”

  “Really?” She leaned forward and put her plate on the table. Wiping her hands, she gave a nod, as if she decided. “You should help out.”

  “If I’d come into town sooner, I would have, but I’m not kitted out to be heading into the mountains.”

  “What are you going to do about it?”

  “What do you want me to do?”

  “I think you already know the answer to that. Did you call the sheriff?”

  “No, I came straight here. Sometimes a son wants to check in on his ma’.”

  “Who’s missing?”

  “Couple of college kids. I didn’t sit around and chat with Marge about it.”

  “I think they need every able-bodied man. Your stuff is here if you still fit into your clothes.”

  He laughed. “I’m sure I do.”

  “Well, let’s get you kitted out.” She hopped up and headed to the closet, showing a burst of energy. The years hadn’t been kind to his mother. Her arthritis made her movements slow and she wobbled with each step.

  “Shouldn’t we call Sheriff Johnson first and see what they’ve found? You know there’s a storm coming, right?”

  She pulled out his gear. “Which is why you need to go.”

  “Do you have the sheriff’s number? How about we start there?”

  She rattled off Sheriff Johnson’s number. A short conversation later and Caleb was seething. It was just like Caitlyn. She never thought about herself, placing herself in danger for others. Sheriff Johnson said she was staying in the mountains overnight. He knew why she’d done it, placing her safety beneath that of others but, dammit, a storm was getting ready to slam into the mountains.

  “Ma’.”

  “Yes?”

  “I’m going back to town to talk to the sheriff. You don’t mind, do you?”

  She returned with an armload of his things. “I don’t. You’ll come back tomorrow. The sheriff sounded upset.”

  “Did you hear?”

  “Every word. You’ve got to learn to turn the volume down on your phone.” Her health may be failing, but it appeared her hearing remained as sharp as ever. “Now, I got your stuff. Your gun is in the safe. Make sure you take a pistol, too.” She flapped her hands at him. “You’re all grown now and don’t need me to tell you what to do, but humor me, okay?”

  He came over and gave her a peck on the cheek, taking the pile of winter clothing out of her arms. “Are my long Johns in there?”

  “Everything you need. Now let me grab food. You’ll want to make sure you pack some for emergencies.”

  In less than half an hour, Caleb stood in the mudroom, trying not to sweat, while his mother added one more thing for the road. Did she think he would head out tonight? Sheriff Johnson wouldn’t allow it, but one look at the twinkling in his mother’s eyes and he knew the truth. Sheriff Johnson wouldn’t be able to stop him.

  There was no way Caitlyn would spend the night out there all alone.

  He met the sheriff at the head of the trail.

  “Well, I’ll be.” Sheriff Johnson came over to meet Caleb as he got out of his Jeep. “You’ve grown, boy. It’s n
ice to see you.”

  “Thank you, Sir.” He shook the sheriff’s hand. “Marge told me all about those college kids.”

  “Son, you’re not here for a couple kids.”

  Everyone in town knew the story of the star-crossed high school sweethearts. The entire town had been planning their wedding since they were ten.

  “Have you heard from her?” It would be pitch black out, except the falling snow reflected a faint otherworldly light.

  “Not for some time, not that I would expect her to call. You want to go up after her, but it’s getting sketchy up there. I’d say I won’t allow it, but I see it in your eyes.”

  “I’m trained for this, and I know these—”

  “Yeah, yeah, yeah. You sound just like her. You know these mountains like the back of your hand.”

  “I do.”

  “I know.”

  “But I don’t have a snowmobile.”

  “I don’t have one to give you, but Tom Studer is due back any minute. We can refuel his and, if you insist on heading up there, I’m sure he won’t mind letting you use his.”

  “Sounds great.”

  But it wasn’t great. Tom took longer than a few minutes to arrive. Caleb spent the time going over the search grid with the sheriff, not in the least surprised at the area Caitlyn chose. When the light of Tom’s snowmobile flickered down the trail, he was past ready to hit the trails. He’d lost the entire afternoon going to his mother’s and now most of the night. But he hoped he’d be able to follow Caitlyn’s tracks and run into her before he had to stop for the night.

  When Tom pulled to a stop, he was breathing hard. “Snow’s falling thick. I think that storm is coming early.”

  Caleb looked at the fat flakes floating to the ground. Tom greeted him with the same enthusiasm Sheriff Johnson had and raised an eyebrow at his plan to head into the mountains.

  “You sure about this, boy?”

  At twenty-five, he was long past being a boy, but these men had known him his entire life. He could be fifty, and they’d still call him boy.

  “You know it.”

  “Well, ain’t no way to stop stupid.” Tom shared a knowing look with Sheriff Johnson. “Let’s get my gear off and load yours on.”

  About ten minutes later, his gear was strapped to the snowmobile. Tom gave Caleb his rifle, saying he’d seen bear tracks in the snow. Caleb checked the weapon, then slid it back into the scabbard. His shotgun went in front of him, on the front rack, loaded with the safety on, and he had his pistol strapped to his waist. They transferred fuel into the tank, topping it off.

  “Here.” Tom took his radio and handed it over. “You let us know when you find her. Bring her and those girls back safe.”

  “Absolutely.”

  With another round of farewells, double checks of his gear, and more sound advice than he needed, Caleb headed up the trail. It wasn’t hard to see where Caitlyn’s path cut off from the rest, although the tracks of her snowmobile were disappearing as they filled with snow. He would have to be quick, but caution forced him to slow down. It would do no one any good if he drove himself off the trail.

  Unfortunately, he ran into trouble with the snowmobile, burying it nose deep in a drift he didn’t see coming. Now on foot, he continued on, determined to save his girl.

  Chapter 5

  Caitlyn

  Caitlyn shifted her pack and slung her shotgun over her left shoulder. Predawn twilight sharpened the air and brought stark relief to a landscape blanketed in white. A constant stream of needle-thin snow fell, rushing through the air. She checked the straps on Bear’s pack, making sure they weren’t cutting in, then grabbed a handful of his food from his pack and held it for him. While he ate, she scanned the terrain.

  Down from where she left the snowmobile, a trail lead to a cut above a small river which tumbled toward a field of boulders. Hopefully, the girls kept to the trail. It was too easy to fall into the half-frozen river. This time of year, snow commonly overhung the water’s edge and could be treacherous for anyone foolish enough to get too close.

  Bear bounded ahead, only to circle back around to check in with her. She headed up the cut, hoping the girls followed common sense. This area had been mined and an old path remained. Even with the snow, the path was painstakingly obvious and circled around the ridge. Normally an easy hike, the growing snowfall slowed her progress. At least she had snowshoes.

  While the path angled up, she felt confident the girls headed in that direction. This was an area known for bear, and with bear came dens for the annual winter hibernation. If these girls were checking game cameras near bear dens, then they hopefully had a working knowledge of what caves to avoid.

  The morning sun normally burned off the ever-present misty cloud layer, but the mountains remained socked in and the temperatures continued to fall. The storm was well on its way.

  With determination guiding every step, she forged ahead, keeping an eye out for caves and a nose out for the scent of a campfire which might help her locate the girls.

  Visibility dropped with the falling temperatures as the snow thickened and the wind kicked up. To her right, a wall of rock stretched overhead. To her left, a steep plummet into the slow-flowing river had her keeping close to the rock.

  A spit and a hiss above her on the ledge drew her up short. That damn cat was stalking her. With her pistol in hand, she was afraid to shoot, worried about pulling a mini-avalanche down on her head. Bear’s hackles rose, and he sniffed the wind. She took a moment to holster her pistol and gripped her shotgun. If attacked, it had a wider kill zone than her Casull and she wouldn’t have to worry as much about her aim.

  The chilling wind made her eyes tear up, and she blinked to clear her vision. Moving out, she kept Bear close and trudged through the snow. Bear followed in her footprints, taking advantage of the hard pack her snowshoes created.

  Ears alert for the crunching of snow, which would alert her to the cat, or sounds of its hissing and spitting, she made slow progress. Then the soft sobs of a girl drifted on the wind.

  Holding her hand up, she halted Bear. Sound carried in the mountains and she needed to locate its source. The burbling of the water flowing over the rocks made it difficult to pinpoint the soft sobs, but she was certain the cries were below her, near the water’s edge.

  “There!” Her fingers curled in Bear’s thick fur. She pointed to high visibility pink camouflage down by the water’s edge. Cupping her hands over her mouth, she called out.

  “Hello!”

  In case the girl didn’t hear, she yanked at the lanyard around her neck and blew the whistle.

  “Hello?” The cries intensified. “Oh, my God! They found us! Sally, they found us. We’re down here! My friend’s ankle is twisted or broken. We need help!”

  “I’m coming down,” Caitlyn called out, reassuring the girls. “Help is on its way. I have a dog with me. His name is Bear. He’s a Newfoundland, and well, he looks like a bear. I’m sending him down. Don’t worry.”

  “Okay?”

  Caitlyn shifted the weight on her back and looked for a way down. She repeated herself several times, wanting to make sure the girls understood the massive black ball of fur barreling down on them was no threat.

  Bear raced down the slope, giving a low woof as he approached the girls. Caitlyn followed at a slower pace, taking her time to pick her way down. When she arrived, Bear’s tail thumped on the snow as a girl wrapped her arms around his girth.

  When she saw Caitlyn, she swiped at her eyes. “Thank you.”

  Caitlyn trudged forward. “How are you?” She glanced around but saw no one else. “You said your friend was injured?”

  “Yes!” The girl climbed to her feet. “She’s over here. I was out trying to find firewood.” There was no firewood gathered. “Our fire died out last night, and Sally is so cold.”

  “What happened?”

  “Oh, you wouldn’t believe it, but a cougar attacked us. Ripped my backpack right off and scraped me up
pretty good. Sally shooed the thing away with her pepper spray.”

  “Don’t you have a gun?”

  The girl drew back, a look of horror on her face. Caitlyn would not argue the merits of pepper spray against the lethality of a gun. Some arguments were lost before they began with those who lacked an understanding of what it meant when you entered a predator’s domain and became part of the food chain. Lacking claws, fangs, muscles, and more, humans weren’t apex predators out here.

  Pepper spray?

  These girls were insane.

  “It ran off.” The girl sounded proud of herself.

  Except the mountain lion had been stalking them as it had her.

  “Where’s your friend?” There was no sign of another girl.

  “Over here. We camped out between these boulders.”

  “Okay. Let’s check on her and then we’ll get out of here.”

  “Is it just you?” The girl scanned the hills. “Where are the rescuers?”

  Caitlyn gritted her teeth and swallowed what she wanted to say. “I’m your rescuer. Now, we need to get moving. There’s a huge storm on the way and we need to get off the mountain.”

  Bear lifted off his haunches, sniffed the air behind them, then trotted to a cluster of boulders piled along the cliff. She turned around, wondering if that damn cat was still on her trail. It was bold to consider taking on three humans and a dog the size of Bear.

  “What’s your name?”

  “Jenny.”

  “Nice to meet you. Let’s take a look at your friend.”

  Sally was a hot mess. Most definitely broken, her ankle made her unable to walk. It would be difficult getting her up to the trail and back to the snowmobile. Caitlyn glanced around at what was available and made an estimation of time. By the time she made a travois, the storm would be on them, but at least she had found the girls. All she had to do was keep them safe until more help arrived. Extricating them wasn’t something she could do alone.

  After checking in on Sally, she tried calling the Sheriff. Without cell reception, her cell phone was in a dead zone and caught in a ravine, her radio was just as useless.